Altered Gray Matter Volume and White Matter Integrity in College Students with Mobile Phone Dependence

Abstract

Mobile phone dependence (MPD) is a behavioral addiction that has become an increasing public mental health issue. While previous research has explored some of the factors that may predict MPD, the underlying neural mechanisms of MPD have not been investigated yet. The current study aimed to explore the microstructural variations associated with MPD as measured with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter (WM) integrity [four indices: fractional anisotropy (FA); mean diffusivity (MD); axial diffusivity (AD); and radial diffusivity (RD)] were calculated via voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis, respectively. Sixty-eight college students (42 female) were enrolled and separated into two groups [MPD group, N = 34; control group (CG), N = 34] based on Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI) scale score. Trait impulsivity was also measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). In light of underlying trait impulsivity, results revealed decreased GMV in the MPD group relative to controls in regions such as the right superior frontal gyrus (sFG), right inferior frontal gyrus (iFG), and bilateral thalamus (Thal). In the MPD group, GMV in the above mentioned regions was negatively correlated with scores on the MPAI. Results also showed significantly less FA and AD measures of WM integrity in the MPD group relative to controls in bilateral hippocampal cingulum bundle fibers (CgH). Additionally, in the MPD group, FA of the CgH was also negatively correlated with scores on the MPAI. These findings provide the first morphological evidence of altered brain structure with mobile phone overuse, and may help to better understand the neural mechanisms of MPD in relation to other behavioral and substance addiction disorders.

Parent distraction with phones, reasons for use, and impacts on parenting and child outcomes: A review of the emerging research

“…For example, some estimate that the average user checks their phone around 80 times per day (Asurion, ). Additionally, the beeps, buzzes, notifications, and messages may lead to dopamine responses or changes in the brain similar to that found in Internet addiction (e.g., Liu & Luo, ; Wang et al, ; Zhu, Zhang, & Tian, ; see Brand, Young, & Laier, for a review). In a sense, individuals are intermittently rewarded for their phone use, which may serve to further reinforce the behavior or create cravings for use.…”

The Role of Insula in Physical Activity Moderate the Association Between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Emotional Symptoms in Late Adolescents

“…Moreover, the study report smaller GMV in right lateral orbitofrontal cortex in problematic smartphone users than controls (29). Another study also takes the VBM method and nd that decreased GMV of right superior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral thalamus in mobile phone dependence group (30). For mental disorders, a meta-analysis which included 41 studies has reported GMV difference in major depression compared to healthy controls including insula and anterior superior temporal gyrus (31).…”

Problematic mobile phone use. Review of literature

“…Wykazano także zmniejszoną objętość zakrętu czołowego górnego, prawego dolnego zakrętu czołowego oraz wzgórza. Zakręt czołowy górny pełni funkcję w wielu zaawansowanych procesach poznawczych, takich jak: kontrola impulsów, świadome podejmowanie decyzji, pamięć, kontrola uwagi typu góra-dół oraz modelowanie i przewidywanie zachowań innych osób [58][59][60]. Prawy dolny zakręt czołowy jest odpowiedzialny za kontrolę zachowania [61].…”

“…Furthermore, the superior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus and thalamus volumes were demonstrated to be reduced. The superior frontal gyrus fulfils functions in many advanced cognitive processes like control of impulses, conscious decision-making, memory, top-down attentional control and the modelling and prediction of other person's behaviour [58][59][60]. The right inferior frontal gyrus is responsible for behaviour control [61].…”